Rajkot: The Kachchh East Police arrested seven people for allegedly kidnapping a Gandhidham-based transport businessman and extorting 5.84 lakh USDT, valued by investigators at about Rs 5.55 crore, after threatening to kill him.The arrested accused include alleged mastermind Harsh Sadadpuri and his associates Raj Dhanwani, Ibrahim Buchad, Husen Buchad, Shabbir Saycha, Laxman alias Lachhu Hemnani and Sachin Anandani. Three others, Javed Saycha, Rizwan Khicha and Sohil Buchad, are absconding.The case was registered at Gandhidham City A Division police station following a complaint by Dilip Majethiya, 44, a resident of Varshamedi in Anjar who owns a transport business in Gandhidham.According to the complaint, Majethiya reached his office on July 21 when Javed, who was sitting in a car outside, called him over. As the two knew each other, Majethiya agreed to accompany Javed after being told that money lent by Majethiya had to be collected from Harsh Sadadpuri.Two more men allegedly joined them on the way. Majethiya was then taken to a house in Gandhidham’s Sapnanagar area, where his hands were tied with plastic rope. The accused allegedly assaulted him, held a knife to his throat and demanded Rs 20 lakh for his release.Fearing for his life, Majethiya arranged to send Rs 20 lakh through a Gandhidham-based angadia operator to persons named by the kidnappers. Police later intercepted the transaction.Further questioning of the arrested accused revealed that while Majethiya was being held captive, the kidnappers allegedly made a video call to his brother, Naresh alias Lalo Majethiya, who lives in Dubai.During the call, Javed allegedly threatened to kill Majethiya unless a large sum was paid. Police said a scanner code was then shared, and 5.84 lakh USDT was transferred digitally. Investigators valued the cryptocurrency transaction at around Rs 5.55 crore.Majethiya was taken away in another vehicle and released near the Oslo Cinema crossroads.Kachchh East DSP Sagar Bagmar said, “Sadadpuri is the key conspirator. He was facing financial difficulties and had known Majethiya and his family for years because of their previous financial dealings. He was also familiar with the businessman’s daily routine.”Investigating officer Mehul Rathod said several accused have previous criminal cases against them.
